by Jo Barnes | photos by Amanda Cribdon Photography –
Creativity and an eye for colour are woven into her handicrafts, but it is her interest and involvement that has woven the arts into our community.
Sidney spinner and weaver, Dianne Cross, has a passion for art and creativity which over the years has translated beyond her own artistic work to helping showcase the talents of other artisans in the community.
“I have always been interested in being creative,” shares Dianne. “In 1991, I started the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula in Sidney. We launched the annual Artisans show. I love putting a show together and enjoying the beauty of everyone’s creativity.”
The Artisans show began as a six-week event in the Sanscha Hall, which later was redeveloped into the modern Mary Winspear Centre. Under Dianne’s leadership, the council’s work grew and brought in funds which positively impacted the community.
“The Artisans exhibit was a way to add to our financial resources,” says Dianne. “We were able to support local groups like the community orchestra and also Peninsula Players theatre group.”
Dianne’s enthusiasm about the arts can be traced back to her childhood and the enjoyment of artistic activities by family members.
“My mother did various handicrafts and I always watched her. My father was always talented at making things,” she remarks, adding: “My grandfather was a cellist for the Palm Court Orchestra that played at the Empress.”
Prior to founding the arts council, Dianne devoted her time and talents to spinning and weaving.
“It all really started when I was a stay at-home-mom,” she says. “I developed a love of textiles.”
The materials and what could be created with them captivated her, and still does to this day.
“I’m very excited when I see a wall display of yarn in the shop. It makes my hands itch!” exclaims Dianne.
After taking some local classes, she subsequently completed her Master Spinner Certificate.
“I did six summers at Old’s College learning about dyeing, spinning and processing all fibres,” says Dianne.
Spinning involves drawing out raw fibres like cotton, silk or wool and twisting them into two or three ply or multiple yarns. Weaving is done on a loom on which two threads of yarn are interlaced at right angles of each other and ultimately produce a pattern. Both activities appeal to Dianne.
“There’s a rhythm in spinning. Weaving is meditative,” comments Dianne. “I like the sense of calmness. You can’t be uptight or in a flap. If you’re tense, your yarn will be tight and gnarly.”
The joy of creating something novel is also important to Dianne.
“I don’t like following someone else’s pattern,” she comments. “I like to create from the ground up.”
Dianne became a member of the Deep Cove Weavers and Spinners Guild where she enjoyed collaborating with others. In 1990, she launched Honeysuckle Fibre Studio, named for a beloved mohair goat.
“Before moving to Sidney, my husband and I lived on a mini farm. One of our goats was named Honeysuckle. She was a beautiful goat,” shares Dianne. “My business was named after her.”
In 1996, after renovations, the front of her new home became Dianne’s studio offering fine quality yarns, weaving and spinning tools and supplies, and an array of Dianne’s artistic pieces for sale. Over time, it has served as a meeting place for both experienced and novice weavers where ideas and projects are shared.
“My studio was a co-op for the weavers group from 2000 to 2010,” remarks Dianne.
With the pandemic restrictions, art exhibitions, and weaving guild meetings came to an end. Weaving and spinning became solo activities.
“We were not able to meet with others. There was no show and tell, which is such a boost to everyone,” says Dianne.
With the easing of health restrictions, the prospect of art exhibitions and collaboration among artists is on the horizon.
“The Guild cautiously started back at the Shoal Centre recently,” shares Dianne. “When the ferry opens up again, I look forward to seeing people come in the studio again.”
Creativity continues for this enthusiastic artist. Dianne has recently added rug hooking to her handicraft talents. Once again, too, she finds a way to encourage the arts in others.
“My grandson loves foxes and draws them all the time,” says Dianne, “So I hooked a cushion for him with foxes in the pattern.”
While others now carry on the work of the arts council that Dianne founded, her legacy is reflected in an annual student scholarship. The Dianne Cross Award for the Arts, sponsored by ArtSea, pays tribute to Dianne’s significant contribution to arts and cultural activities on the Saanich Peninsula.
Dianne has experienced the joy of self-expression through arts and crafts and fostered that in others. In doing so, that love of the arts has been woven into the very fabric of the community.
